COLCHESTER United midfielder Harry Pell says he is desperate to be on the winning side when he returns to former club Cheltenham Town tomorrow.

The dynamic midfielder is now fully fit again after injury and hoping to be named in the U's starting line-up for the first time in the league since the opening day of the season when they take on the high-flying Robins, at Whaddon Road.

Pell, who won promotion with Cheltenham in 2016 and played 134 times for them during his three-year spell in Gloucestershire, is hoping to boost Colchester’s promotion hopes this weekend.

And the 28-year-old, who was on the scoresheet when he returned to Cheltenham with Colchester last season, says he is looking forward to going back to his old club.

Pell said: “Hopefully it’ll be a great occasion and it’s one where I’m really desperate to win.

“I won promotion there and when I went there, the club was in a bad state of affairs really.

“They know exactly what I’m like as a character and as a player.

“When I was doing it for them, they loved it. They’re going to have to expect it and I’m sure they will do again, if I can get on the pitch.

“They know exactly what I’m like – it’ll start with cheers and it’ll probably end with boos!

“I’ve still got a home there and after football, I don’t know if I’m going to settle down there or here.

“I was so desperate to come to Colchester but I’ve spoken to my family about it and when my football has finished, I could possibly go there.

“The way of life is a little bit different and Cheltenham is in a fantastic area.

“I can’t really speak highly enough about the club.

“I loved every minute of it and even when I left, it wasn’t for the wrong reasons – it was because I thought Colchester had a stronger foundation to come to and I wanted to kick on with my career.

“But I’ve got such good memories down there and still keep in touch with so many people there.”

Pell is fit again after recovering from a troublesome Achilles injury that had sidelined him since early August.

He appeared as a late substitute in the U's 3-2 win at Mansfield Town earlier this month and played 90 minutes in their 1-0 victory over Ipswich Town in the Leasing.com Trophy.

“It’s been tough and I feel like a kid at Christmas," added Pell, whose last league start for the U's came against Port Vale on the opening day of the season.

“I just want to get back involved, push for my place and give the gaffer a headache with team selection, hopefully climb that league table and get promoted – that’s the aim.

“I’m really looking forward to pushing on with the team and helping them every way I can to pick up three points on a regular basis.

“The club is in a really strong place and I’m really looking forward to being a part of that and ticking games of football off.

“I’ve felt brilliant in training and I thoroughly enjoyed the Ipswich game - it felt exactly like a league game.

“I was adamant that I wanted 90 minutes under my belt which I got and I felt great, so I’m looking forward now."